Tuesday, November 13, 2012
July 25
What is up!! It has been a great week :) Elder Wesley is a great companion. He's from Hyderbad also. He's 24 years old, served for 9 months so far, has two brothers, joined the church back in 2007, and is a electronics engineer. We don't have a big teaching river right now, but we are working hard to find and get referrals. He's a great guy and I hope that we become great friends in these next well, now it's 5 weeks. I was going to say 6 weeks.
Bowling is expensive. In fact, today some Elders were going to go bowling, but Elder Wesley and I don't have the funds to go out and do that. (Nor the interest haha) The bowling arenas are nice though and yes they are air-conditioned.
Which makes me think. There is A/C here but it's small things for only one room. There is no central A/C in many houses/businesses that I've gone to. There many people that also have water air conditioning. It's a unit that holds water in the bottom of the container and the fan blows which draws up some of the water to help cool things down. Thought you'd like to know.
Yeah there are many beggars. It's sad to see, but my thinking is that even though I can't physically do a lot for them right now, I'm indirectly helping them by sharing the gospel. When the nation understands the gospel, then will the poor and rich help each other and there won't be this poverty. Now that's YEARS down the road, but that's my mentality.
That's exciting to hear that Dylan has his papers almost finished! Glad he also found a job :) It'll be fun to hear where he serves. (Think I might be able to skype you during the time he opens his call? hehe That would be a fun little extra hello)
Yeah it's the first time I'm reading the New Testament and it's amazing. I love reading about Christ and getting to read what he did. It's one thing to grow hearing the stories, but now I get to go in depth into Christ's life. What chapter are you in? I'm in chapter 4. You must be ahead because I don't remember beatitudes.
Spiritual:
It's been a good week. Elder Wesley is a great companion! We are working hard to find people and to build relationships with the members. We love this work and are enjoying trying to get people to hear what we have to share. It's interesting to see the engagement that people we personally contact and those that are referrals from members have in what we teach. Both groups can embrace the message we share, but the example that the members have set, help the referrals to be engaged more.
We also set goals of striving to do our best to be exactly obedient. I love the noticeable difference in the way the Spirit is felt as we have strived to do our part in being exactly obedient. Granted we are human and make mistakes ;) but the Spirit and the joy that is felt doing this work when we try our best to be obedient is noticeable. I love it!
I know Heavenly Father is watching over this work that I am blessed to be a part of. There is no doubt that he guides and helps us. About a month ago, Elder Bunga and I were trying to find "lost sheep.'' We were looking for an address and as we paused to find where out where we were, Elder Bunga noticed a woman, wearing a cross, walk into her home. We went to her door to ''ask for directions''. As we talked we brought who we were and if we could return to share a message. Jump one month ahead. Elder Wesley and I were trying to find lost sheep during an open hour and found this inactive elderly woman. Her husband was in the hospital and sadly she did not want us to help. The next day, Elder Wesley and I were in the area of the woman, wearing the cross, from a month ago. As we talked and got to know the family, we discovered that the father of the home had a brother in the hospital. He mentioned his brother's name and when we heard it asked if he might be related to the inactive sister we met a the day before. His brother is the husband of the inactive woman! It was too cool to see something like this play out. We will be meeting them later this week. Hopefully, we can somehow soften the heart of the inactive woman we met as we teach her in-laws.
I'm grateful to serve and bear the name of my Savior. I'm grateful that I can teach people who their Heavenly Father is and that Jesus Christ is more than a name. My Savior has given me so much. I hope that I can serve the people here in India in such a way that they too may realize Jesus Christ is truly their Redeemer. It's a blessing to learn, grow, and serve my Savior. serve my Savior.
I love you guys! Hope you have a fantastic week. Hugs (and Kisses to those to it applies haha) to ya'll. I love you and hope you know I'm doing well and glad I can serve. :)
Love
Elder Devin Bastian
Bowling is expensive. In fact, today some Elders were going to go bowling, but Elder Wesley and I don't have the funds to go out and do that. (Nor the interest haha) The bowling arenas are nice though and yes they are air-conditioned.
Which makes me think. There is A/C here but it's small things for only one room. There is no central A/C in many houses/businesses that I've gone to. There many people that also have water air conditioning. It's a unit that holds water in the bottom of the container and the fan blows which draws up some of the water to help cool things down. Thought you'd like to know.
Yeah there are many beggars. It's sad to see, but my thinking is that even though I can't physically do a lot for them right now, I'm indirectly helping them by sharing the gospel. When the nation understands the gospel, then will the poor and rich help each other and there won't be this poverty. Now that's YEARS down the road, but that's my mentality.
That's exciting to hear that Dylan has his papers almost finished! Glad he also found a job :) It'll be fun to hear where he serves. (Think I might be able to skype you during the time he opens his call? hehe That would be a fun little extra hello)
Yeah it's the first time I'm reading the New Testament and it's amazing. I love reading about Christ and getting to read what he did. It's one thing to grow hearing the stories, but now I get to go in depth into Christ's life. What chapter are you in? I'm in chapter 4. You must be ahead because I don't remember beatitudes.
Spiritual:
It's been a good week. Elder Wesley is a great companion! We are working hard to find people and to build relationships with the members. We love this work and are enjoying trying to get people to hear what we have to share. It's interesting to see the engagement that people we personally contact and those that are referrals from members have in what we teach. Both groups can embrace the message we share, but the example that the members have set, help the referrals to be engaged more.
We also set goals of striving to do our best to be exactly obedient. I love the noticeable difference in the way the Spirit is felt as we have strived to do our part in being exactly obedient. Granted we are human and make mistakes ;) but the Spirit and the joy that is felt doing this work when we try our best to be obedient is noticeable. I love it!
I know Heavenly Father is watching over this work that I am blessed to be a part of. There is no doubt that he guides and helps us. About a month ago, Elder Bunga and I were trying to find "lost sheep.'' We were looking for an address and as we paused to find where out where we were, Elder Bunga noticed a woman, wearing a cross, walk into her home. We went to her door to ''ask for directions''. As we talked we brought who we were and if we could return to share a message. Jump one month ahead. Elder Wesley and I were trying to find lost sheep during an open hour and found this inactive elderly woman. Her husband was in the hospital and sadly she did not want us to help. The next day, Elder Wesley and I were in the area of the woman, wearing the cross, from a month ago. As we talked and got to know the family, we discovered that the father of the home had a brother in the hospital. He mentioned his brother's name and when we heard it asked if he might be related to the inactive sister we met a the day before. His brother is the husband of the inactive woman! It was too cool to see something like this play out. We will be meeting them later this week. Hopefully, we can somehow soften the heart of the inactive woman we met as we teach her in-laws.
I'm grateful to serve and bear the name of my Savior. I'm grateful that I can teach people who their Heavenly Father is and that Jesus Christ is more than a name. My Savior has given me so much. I hope that I can serve the people here in India in such a way that they too may realize Jesus Christ is truly their Redeemer. It's a blessing to learn, grow, and serve my Savior. serve my Savior.
I love you guys! Hope you have a fantastic week. Hugs (and Kisses to those to it applies haha) to ya'll. I love you and hope you know I'm doing well and glad I can serve. :)
Love
Elder Devin Bastian
July 18
Holy Smokes!!! So many emails today!! I don't think I'll have time to respond to all, but I'll do the best that I can.
The last week has been good. I've been reading the Book of Mormon and I actually started on the New Testament. Wow! Jesus Christ knew how to teach and expound the doctrine! It's humbling to read about his life right now as I'm striving to make adjustments in my life that line up to his teachings. I read that email you sent mom and the point you made of changing but beating myself up as I change is actually something I had thought about this last week. Thanks for that :) I was actually reminded about that, I was sent here because I have unique qualities and a personality that is unlike anyone else. There are things I have learned and come to understand that can touch the life of someone else unlike anyone else. I don't need to change who I am, but I can change in a way that aligns my life, my personality, and my experiences with Christ's teachings. I definitely believe that Heavenly Father is watching over me because of the things I learn during the week are then solidified by you, mom and dad, in your emails. It's cool to see how I'm taught during the week and then without you knowing it type up and email me what I learned. Our Heavenly Father is absolutely a loving Father.
Tomorrow is transfers!! I'm a little nervous because this will be the first time without a trainer now! There's a program the church came out with that is 12 week training program for new Elders that is suppose to help get them adjusted to missionary work and know the doctrine quicker. Now the 12 weeks are over and A) Elder Bunga leaves tomorrow B) Tomorrow I get my first post training program. It's going to be interesting! haha I'll do good though. I'm actually excited to get to know who it'll be and start working with him.
Forgot to tell you we have a total of three Amercian couples serving here in India now. Capners, Crookstons, and Stevens. The Stevens actually came in 2 weeks ago and they're from Houston, Texas. Think you know the Stevens at all?
It's really cool to see as a missionary how much this life is all about preparing ourselves to return to live with Heavenly Father. Everything in life is helping us to prepare to meet God if we are following the commandments and counsel he gives to us.
It's cooled off a bit, but the humidity here has jumped up expediently! I don't know what I like more the heat or the humidity. Both make me sweat profusely! haha
Spiritual
The line of authority is spectacular when thinking about the calling that I have been called to. I was reading in Preach My Gospel Ch.1 My Purpose and in there, there is a chapter that talks about the authority and power of being a missionary. It helped me realize the honor, obligation, and privilege it is to be a missionary. When you trace the priesthood from the stake president to the 70 to the quorum of the 12 to the prophet to Jesus Christ. It’s cool to think that I have been ordained by Christ to do this work.
It’s a little nerve wracking for me to know that tomorrow I’ll be the senior in the area and that I will have to lead and show my companion around the area in this upcoming transfer. However, I’m excited and ready to go about this work with a mind set the work and ready to go do what is expected of me J
Once again I’m grateful that I can serve as a missionary and notice the things that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. The scriptures teach the doctrine of Christ magnificently. There are amazing stories, parables, testimonies, experiences of God’s grace and love for us, and the truth that is taught to us about the divinity and the nature of the Godhead and our purpose here on Earth. My eyes have been opened to how the Book of Mormon teaches the Doctrine so many times! I love it and as I have read the pages of the Book of Mormon it’s empowering to see the amount of love our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father has for us.
To save time I'm going to go to each of your email and write back. I hope I'll be able to reply to all :) I LOVE YOU!!
Elder Devin Bastian
The last week has been good. I've been reading the Book of Mormon and I actually started on the New Testament. Wow! Jesus Christ knew how to teach and expound the doctrine! It's humbling to read about his life right now as I'm striving to make adjustments in my life that line up to his teachings. I read that email you sent mom and the point you made of changing but beating myself up as I change is actually something I had thought about this last week. Thanks for that :) I was actually reminded about that, I was sent here because I have unique qualities and a personality that is unlike anyone else. There are things I have learned and come to understand that can touch the life of someone else unlike anyone else. I don't need to change who I am, but I can change in a way that aligns my life, my personality, and my experiences with Christ's teachings. I definitely believe that Heavenly Father is watching over me because of the things I learn during the week are then solidified by you, mom and dad, in your emails. It's cool to see how I'm taught during the week and then without you knowing it type up and email me what I learned. Our Heavenly Father is absolutely a loving Father.
Tomorrow is transfers!! I'm a little nervous because this will be the first time without a trainer now! There's a program the church came out with that is 12 week training program for new Elders that is suppose to help get them adjusted to missionary work and know the doctrine quicker. Now the 12 weeks are over and A) Elder Bunga leaves tomorrow B) Tomorrow I get my first post training program. It's going to be interesting! haha I'll do good though. I'm actually excited to get to know who it'll be and start working with him.
Forgot to tell you we have a total of three Amercian couples serving here in India now. Capners, Crookstons, and Stevens. The Stevens actually came in 2 weeks ago and they're from Houston, Texas. Think you know the Stevens at all?
It's really cool to see as a missionary how much this life is all about preparing ourselves to return to live with Heavenly Father. Everything in life is helping us to prepare to meet God if we are following the commandments and counsel he gives to us.
It's cooled off a bit, but the humidity here has jumped up expediently! I don't know what I like more the heat or the humidity. Both make me sweat profusely! haha
Spiritual
The line of authority is spectacular when thinking about the calling that I have been called to. I was reading in Preach My Gospel Ch.1 My Purpose and in there, there is a chapter that talks about the authority and power of being a missionary. It helped me realize the honor, obligation, and privilege it is to be a missionary. When you trace the priesthood from the stake president to the 70 to the quorum of the 12 to the prophet to Jesus Christ. It’s cool to think that I have been ordained by Christ to do this work.
It’s a little nerve wracking for me to know that tomorrow I’ll be the senior in the area and that I will have to lead and show my companion around the area in this upcoming transfer. However, I’m excited and ready to go about this work with a mind set the work and ready to go do what is expected of me J
Once again I’m grateful that I can serve as a missionary and notice the things that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. The scriptures teach the doctrine of Christ magnificently. There are amazing stories, parables, testimonies, experiences of God’s grace and love for us, and the truth that is taught to us about the divinity and the nature of the Godhead and our purpose here on Earth. My eyes have been opened to how the Book of Mormon teaches the Doctrine so many times! I love it and as I have read the pages of the Book of Mormon it’s empowering to see the amount of love our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father has for us.
To save time I'm going to go to each of your email and write back. I hope I'll be able to reply to all :) I LOVE YOU!!
Elder Devin Bastian
June 27 - A good 'ol hello from India!
Hi Familia :) Here's a good 'ol hello from India!
I don't what it is, but I feel like we are not doing enough. Yet we taught 19 lessons this week to investigators. WHY!!?? I feel like my exceptions are too high and yet I don't want to disappoint the Lord. I want to have fun and enjoy, but this life is different. Being a missionary is one thing, but then being a missionary with a companion that thinks of going home all the time, not being able to speak to members and investigators because of not knowing Hindi is FRUSTRATING!, and not having you guys to counsel with is tough... I miss you guys....
I want to say that even though this is hard, I'm trying. I hope that it's a good effort. It's hard to express how different mission life is here in India. We have a lot more tasks and responsibilities as a missionaries here because it's first generation and we have to help pick up the slack that these new members don't understand is their responsibilities. I'm not the only missionary that has had similar thoughts about the work here. Ohh! Currently there are 10 American missionaries right! Crazy!
So I'm doing what I can to feel good. Things I work on to help me feel good are waking up on time, exercising, having personal studies, listening to church music, and going to bed on time. I am amazed at the difference life is here and back home. I have to figure things out on my own here. Life doesn't feel like a set schedule or a least like I know what needs to happen everyday. So that's where I have to go out and think for myself.
President Jackson leaves this Saturday and President Sackley comes Saturday. Tuesday we had a missionary farewell for President Jackson. It was really fun :)
That's SWEET Dylan got his first sell! I wrote him last week and I send him my letters to him. Hopeful he gets them!! haha He's in my prayers as are all of you.
Mikky your photo of Spyro was AMAZING!!! I'm glad you like summer school. Hopefully you can go to Girl's camp. It'd be way fun to go in the mountains.
Mom thank you for your love and support. Like I said this is hard, but this is the right thing and I'm trying to do what I can to be a good missionary. I love the FHE unbroken chain. Kodo's to ya'll!
Dad: Thunder LOST :( :( I was totally rooting for them. What did you mean when you said you were swaying after the lesson? The Inheritance series is way good! I will pray for Wyatt too. That's got to be hard. He's a great guy :)
I would like to thank you for the encouragement you give to me when I write to you. It’s nice to see that I’m doing better than I think I am. Haha
We’ve been having some good lessons with our investigators this last week. It’s fun to see how the gospel can bring a spark to people. Our recent converts, Sunny and Saker, are anxiously engaged in helping their friends and family know about the gospel. They’ve seen it change them and bring a lot of comfort and joy so they now want to help others know of it too.
I In my studies, I’ve been trying to learn the lessons as best as I can so that I might be an effective instrument for Heavenly Father in this work. I’m trying to memorized scriptures and write questions that I can ask and also study the answers to.
I’m grateful that I may serve my Heavenly Father here in India. I hope that I can be the servant he wants me to be. I hope that I can help members and investigators alike. Each play such a significant part in the church.
Thanks again for your love and prayers. I know this is a good thing to be on a mission. I know Heavenly Father wants me here. I know the gospel is true. The Book of Mormon has given me a lot of peace as I strive to learn from Him. Thanks again for your love :)
Love
Elder Devin Bastian
P.S. I'm trying to send photos but there's a lot of viruses on this computer. I'll have to send next week.
I don't what it is, but I feel like we are not doing enough. Yet we taught 19 lessons this week to investigators. WHY!!?? I feel like my exceptions are too high and yet I don't want to disappoint the Lord. I want to have fun and enjoy, but this life is different. Being a missionary is one thing, but then being a missionary with a companion that thinks of going home all the time, not being able to speak to members and investigators because of not knowing Hindi is FRUSTRATING!, and not having you guys to counsel with is tough... I miss you guys....
I want to say that even though this is hard, I'm trying. I hope that it's a good effort. It's hard to express how different mission life is here in India. We have a lot more tasks and responsibilities as a missionaries here because it's first generation and we have to help pick up the slack that these new members don't understand is their responsibilities. I'm not the only missionary that has had similar thoughts about the work here. Ohh! Currently there are 10 American missionaries right! Crazy!
So I'm doing what I can to feel good. Things I work on to help me feel good are waking up on time, exercising, having personal studies, listening to church music, and going to bed on time. I am amazed at the difference life is here and back home. I have to figure things out on my own here. Life doesn't feel like a set schedule or a least like I know what needs to happen everyday. So that's where I have to go out and think for myself.
President Jackson leaves this Saturday and President Sackley comes Saturday. Tuesday we had a missionary farewell for President Jackson. It was really fun :)
That's SWEET Dylan got his first sell! I wrote him last week and I send him my letters to him. Hopeful he gets them!! haha He's in my prayers as are all of you.
Mikky your photo of Spyro was AMAZING!!! I'm glad you like summer school. Hopefully you can go to Girl's camp. It'd be way fun to go in the mountains.
Mom thank you for your love and support. Like I said this is hard, but this is the right thing and I'm trying to do what I can to be a good missionary. I love the FHE unbroken chain. Kodo's to ya'll!
Dad: Thunder LOST :( :( I was totally rooting for them. What did you mean when you said you were swaying after the lesson? The Inheritance series is way good! I will pray for Wyatt too. That's got to be hard. He's a great guy :)
I would like to thank you for the encouragement you give to me when I write to you. It’s nice to see that I’m doing better than I think I am. Haha
We’ve been having some good lessons with our investigators this last week. It’s fun to see how the gospel can bring a spark to people. Our recent converts, Sunny and Saker, are anxiously engaged in helping their friends and family know about the gospel. They’ve seen it change them and bring a lot of comfort and joy so they now want to help others know of it too.
I In my studies, I’ve been trying to learn the lessons as best as I can so that I might be an effective instrument for Heavenly Father in this work. I’m trying to memorized scriptures and write questions that I can ask and also study the answers to.
I’m grateful that I may serve my Heavenly Father here in India. I hope that I can be the servant he wants me to be. I hope that I can help members and investigators alike. Each play such a significant part in the church.
Thanks again for your love and prayers. I know this is a good thing to be on a mission. I know Heavenly Father wants me here. I know the gospel is true. The Book of Mormon has given me a lot of peace as I strive to learn from Him. Thanks again for your love :)
Love
Elder Devin Bastian
P.S. I'm trying to send photos but there's a lot of viruses on this computer. I'll have to send next week.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
June 20, 2012
Hi Mom, Dad, Dylan, Mikky, Brianna, Amanda, Sophia, and Stephen!!!
I love it when I get to come and read emails from home! It's
wonderful!! We had District Conference this last week which was really
good. haha At least the parts that I was able to listen to and enjoy! We
had 14 investigators at the Conference and I was watching over them to
make sure they were okay. Two of them (an eloped couple) actually tried
to sneak out undetected, but I saw them. Alas they were very keen on
leaving even after talking to them about the importance of the meeting
and yada yada. In essence they left. :(
My companion is giving me the silent treatment.... and your
talk mom has helped me a lot. (It's been a great tool and help!!) I have
been reviewing myself time and time again to see if I need to change
something about myself and then going out and serving Elder Bunga. It's
been difficult and trying but I've seen how charity is extremely
important in the gospel. On top of that the love and things you do to
show you're trying want things to work out will not always be recognized
or even respected. Your talk, mom, is where it's help me find strength
and hope. I'm doing my best to show that love and charity while also
doing my part in being the missionary I'm suppose to be. I am looking
for ways that I can help the circumstance and then going out and doing
them. Christ's Atonement is spectacular and absolutely nourishing for
the saint and sinner. I hope to show more gratitude for his precious
gift he has given us.
Thank you for the love and support ya'll give me!! I love your emails!
A little tid bit: When people ask where I'm from I tell them, "I
grew up in Oklahoma, but right before coming on mission my family
shifted (Indian word for moved; I'll bet you I will use it when I come
back home) to Utah. It's funny talking the Utah Elders. I know of the
areas they talk about, but when they get into everyday life and other
things about Utah I'm lost! For me I'm a documented missionary from
Utah, but most definitely I am from Oklahoma. I was thinking about it
the other day 5 grade to Graduation from High School was in Oklahoma.
Half of memories and experiences in my life, Oklahoma. That's why I've
done this introduction. It's who I am. I feel like I'm changing a lot
with only 2 months into being a missionary. (Almost 3 months!!! That is
weird it DOES NOT feel that long.) That feeling of changing is a big
part in why I do that introduction. I'm trying to change in a
Christ-like manner, but remain the Devin Randall Bastian I have grown
into. I want to hold on to who I am but become the man Christ wants me
to be.
I SWEAT LIKE A PIG HERE!!!!!!!!!!!! It's so blasted HOT!!
Those handkerchiefs we bought right before coming on my mission are a
life-saver!
Spiritual:
District Conference was really good. Elder
Bunga and I went on splits to pick investigators up. Fourteen people came to
District Conference. Three of those investigators now have a baptismal date!
It’s fun to be a missionary.
It can also be trying. However, I’m keeping
my head up because it is always better to look up. Being a missionary is a lot
different than what I expected, but it is teaching me a lot. I’m trying to do
my best to learn and become the Preach My Gospel missionary that I can be.
There’s a lot to learn, but I know I can take on some/many of those tools and
skills to help God’s children learn and understand the gospel. I’m grateful
that I’ve got a good companion J He’s teaching me directly and indirectly.
I hope that I can learn quickly and be that
missionary that is needed from me. I know the gospel is true. I will grow and
continue to learn as I exercise faith, diligence, charity, and the other
attributes of Jesus Christ. His teachings help me in many varieties and I am
grateful I have him to turn for help and guidance. He will touch the lives of
everyone and I get to play a part in that J
Sorry
no photos today :( I did put some on the site last week though. I love
you guys. Thank you again for helping me and giving me so much support
and love.
Love,
Elder Devin Bastian
Loves from India
I'm sorry I don't have much time to email you. :/ I have so much I
want to express to you and share how much Heavenly Father has blessed
me. I love being a missionary. There are so many things I'm learning! :)
I hope that you can see that in my emails home. I know Heavenly Father
loves us and cares for our needs. I love you and hope to email and
answer things you have told me.
Love your son,
Elder Bastian
1st Stake in India formed
It's crazy how
quickly time flies. The last week has been good. On Sunday, May 27th,
I baptized two of Elder Bunga's and my investigators. That's the first
time I EVER baptized anyone! It's amazing to see the joy and happiness
the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings into people's lives. The 27th also
marked a huge milestone in the church. India received it's first stake
here in India! Elder Oaks formed the stake. The building which is now
the stake center is Elder Bunga's home branch. Pretty exciting!
Thank you Mom, Dad,
Dylan, Mikayla, Brianna, Amanda, Sophia, and Stephen for all the time,
thoughts, prayers, and much more you are doing for me.
It's appreciated and I hope you know I appreciate and love what you
do.
To me it's amazing how hard it can be to try to convey the love,
peace, joy, etc. the gospel has given to me and put it into a lesson
where the student can feel the same conviction for themselves. I'm
trying my best to learn Chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel better than I do
because I do want to teach others better than I am. I want to help them
understand for themselves the importance this message has. The only way
to get better at that is by studying. I love personal study. It's my time to learn and hopefully as I study each day for the next 2 years I can understand the gospel much better. :)
Missionary
life is getting easier now and comes much more naturally doing what I
do. Several of my worries is that I'm not doing enough, learning quick
enough, or helping enough people, but that's the perfectionist in me.
Everyday I'll work hard and do my best to serve the best I can that day.
It's frustrating not being able to express my thoughts on this better. I
feel I'm explaining well enough my joys and worries well enough. Yet
going back and reading it lacks the emotions, experiences, and extended
thoughts that are connected to the service I'm doing. I am slowly
growing to enjoy this and hope that I love this work immensely.
Spiritual:
It’s amazing how
quickly one week can go by. Haha When focusing on the needs of others, time
flys by.
There have been many things that have gone
through my head when talking about missionary work. It seems like there is much
to do here. I talked to Elder Bunga about this and he helped me a lot to know my jobs.
The specialized training helped to answer this also. I realize that a lot of
this is and is not my calling. I am here to work on missionary work. If I truly
want to help the church here then I focus on my calling as a missionary. The
thoughts of everything are these: There’s
home teaching needed to be put together and to get done, getting callings for
recent converts, make some callings up so everyone has a calling or find a list
of callings to give to branch president, getting lesson 5 lessons done with
recent converts, attendance roll sheets to go around on Sunday to help track
who comes to church, do young men and young women happen each week, does each
organization have a president AND counselors, announcements need to be made in
elder’s quorum, and having BMCM run better with all leaders in attendance and
our needs to be heard. Yea… a lot of these are not my responsibilities, but
it’s things I’ve noticed. What do I do? I focus on being a missionary. I have
teaching to do, inviting all to come unto Christ, strengthening sacrament attendance,
focusing on less actives and recent converts, helping eligible young men go on
missions (which will in turn strengthen the church), getting to KNOW and TEACH
chapter 3 better. There’s much to do on my end. My focus is on missionary work.
I’m sorry if these thoughts are wrong to put in here, but it’s something that
has been bugging me and this last week has helped to answer what I should focus
on. Your specialized training and Elder Bunga helped me understand where my
focus needs to be.
Being on his mission has already taught me
a lot and it’s also fun and enjoyable. The Manner of Happiness lesson helps to
point that out. No matter what I go through, if I live righteously there’s much
to be grateful for and happy about! Scriptures, Temples, Church, Knowing about
the Plan of Salvation, having the priesthood, having a loving and caring
family, having a modern day prophet, praying, etc. These things have given me
great joy and peace in life. I wanted to share this spectacular message to
others and that’s why I’m here J
I want to be able to teach Chapter 3 in
Preach My Gospel better than I’m doing, but a common theme that I constantly
have in my life is understanding the virtue of patience. Understanding won’t
come all at once, but as I study the scriptures, pray, keep having experience
while serving my Heavenly Father, and keep the commandments and mission rules,
I will learn. That’s the way life works!
I had the privilege of baptizing two of
our investigators this last Sunday. (First time EVER baptizing) It’s exciting
to see how much they have learned and grown. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve
learned and grown with them because their first lesson with missionaries was on
my first day in Delhi. One month later, they are baptized and I’ve been serving
here for one month.
Love your brother and son
Elder Devin Bastian
Devin 20th Birthday week
The days pass by so quickly! It literally feels like I was at this email
shop yesterday to write you guys. Today wasn't the
normal P-day I've had. It was a lot of running around getting documents
to people for tomorrow's YSA conference (there is a Young Single Adult
conference tomorrow in Hyderabad to celebrate the formation of the stake
center there), then having lunch, and walking around Delhi with the
other guys in my district. So I write quickly.
Crossing the street here is nuts! I'm
getting the hang of it, but it's like crossing state street in Pleasant
Grove right by the Walmart. That busy and about that speed. Sometimes
there's the red light to cross other times not so much.
The Indian accents are crazy hard to understand many times. Elder
Bunga is an exception which is nice. :) I hand the phone over to him
time after time because either I can't understand what the person is
saying or they don't understand me.
I've been reading up on 121. I want to be able to express what
I understood the best I can. So I'm going to go home and write it down
to type it up next week. Though I do love how the Lord express to Joseph
Smith, "My son peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine
afflictions shall be but a small moment" in such a tender and loving
manner.
My birthday was pretty great! Thank you for wishing me happy
birthday! I love you guys! We actually had zone conference that day. 8
am- 4pm SOO LONGGG haha I enjoyed it though. Sister Jackson made cake
for my birthday and bought some ice cream. Then Elder and Sister Capener
bought a cake for me and sent it to the apartment. Elder Bunga bought
me a mango shake. THOSE ARE SO DELICIOUS!!!!! It's on the corner of the
street right by our apartment. We get everyday. Morning or night
sometimes both. haha
I tried to remember this last week the names of the food I ate
that I liked. A lot of the food here is good though. A curry called
Daal Mock knee (That's how it sounds when I say it and then try to
write it down) eaten with Roti. Roti is basically a tortilla. Another
dish is Al ah go be (Hindi name). It's a potato and calliflower dish
that is really good. That's all I can think of.
Grandma's birthday card actually arrived today. I haven't read
it yet but will you tell her thank you! I'll write her back this week
thanking her :) (All letters are delivered to us on P-day so it actually
could have arrived earlier but I don't get it until the mission office
delivers it to our apartment).
Elder Bunga's mom wants to get baptized
when he gets home! He found out Mother's Day :)
When getting Dylan ready for his
mission, I wouldn't suggest the business bag. With all the weight I
carry, I'm going to switch over to a two strap bag. The handkerchiefs however, are GENIUS!!! They are a LIFESAVER! I drip sweat down my face all the time here and it so usually to get them. Extra socks and garments are also a good idea. These are 'just' suggestions ;)
Spiritual
Answers. The Lord
answers prayers. Doctrine and Covenants 112:10-11
The last week has been challenging.
However something that I wrote in a letter home hits the nail on the head for
me. Regardless of how tough it can get I know this is where I’m to be in
life. At times it may seem like I don’t know why, but I keep going because this
is where I’m suppose to be J No doubt. Heavenly Father knows our needs
and concerns. (Doc and Cov 121) He will help us through it all if we are doing
our part. He gives us peace and comfort. It’s through him I can do all things.
He shows us our weaknesses that we may be humble… for if thy have faith in me,
then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27) I’m
grateful that I have the privilege of being here and get to help others.
It’s interesting to see how much of a mission
is forgetting yourself and reaching out towards others. When I first came to
serve, I thought a mission would be easy and talking to people about God
(someone that I love and adore; I reflect on how my life has been centered on
trying to accomplish what he wants me to do) Now I realize, that for others, listening
to a 20 young man talk about a God isn’t always something they want to talk
about. Haha However, those that are willing to listen and find out for
themselves God loves us and wants us to return to live with him, those are the
glamorous moments of being a servant and representative for Jesus Christ. The
Spirit testifies that these things are true to me and to those I have the
privilege of teaching.
At the end of my full time service for my
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, I want them to be proud of the work I’ve
done. This is a once in a lifetime experience.
The
last week has revolved around charity for me. There has been love pouring in
from everywhere! From others serving in this mission to investigators and
members to trying to have charity for myself and best of all my Heavenly
Father. I really didn’t do justice expressing my thoughts about charity, but I
needed to express that.
I love you guys! Thank you for your prayers and love!
Elder Devin Bastian
post-Mother's Day Skype call
I loved talking to you guys! I was stoked to see all of you! Sorry I
was a mess at the end when I said goodbye. haha :) I really don't have
much to write since we talked Sunday, but I'll write more about what's
going on next P-day.
Prayers, Studying Scriptures, having experiences, and keeping God’s commandments is something else that I guess clicked in how I’ll be able to receive guidance and comfort while here. I’m glad I get to serve my Heavenly Father here on his mission. I get to help others learn of the gospel, while at the same time learning things that make me grow. Crazy how that works! Haha I give my time to the Lord and yet he still blesses me too. I’m definitely grateful to him though.
This last week has
been good. It’s really fun to see the investigators yearn to learn more about
the gospel. Elder Bunga and I were able to see that in our baptism date
investigators. They constantly what to learn, read the Book of Mormon, and are
sincere about keeping the commandments we extend to them. We are very hopeful
that they will get baptized J
Right now I am taking stepping back and
just looking at serving Heavenly Father one day at a time. I view it this way
so that a) I don’t get homesick and I forgot myself b) This helps me to serve him my best everyday
not just for two years. Everyday is a new day and if I don’t strive to work my
hardest today then what will I think of when the time comes to leave India?
Serving my best one day at a time is helping me.
I love my personal studies right now. It
helps me to learn so much about the topics that I have to teach to people.
Though… lol … I feel like there is never enough time to study! It goes by so
quickly!
I’ve got the main part of the First Vision
memorized and I’ve been using the power statements a little more too in
lessons. I’ve seen how helpful they are when striking up a conversation with a
stranger on the streets. These make it so much simpler to share my purpose in
being here in India.
Prayers, Studying Scriptures, having experiences, and keeping God’s commandments is something else that I guess clicked in how I’ll be able to receive guidance and comfort while here. I’m glad I get to serve my Heavenly Father here on his mission. I get to help others learn of the gospel, while at the same time learning things that make me grow. Crazy how that works! Haha I give my time to the Lord and yet he still blesses me too. I’m definitely grateful to him though.
I love you guys! :)
Elder Devin Bastian
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Week 2 and answers to questions
I printed off the emails you guys wrote to me last week. I wrote
answers to them back at the apartment. So I'm just going to transfer them from my paper to here.
That is exciting to hear you're running dad! I have to jump rope instead. It's not the smartest idea to run here. Haha Only two more
years of jump-roping!
Everyone told me that the food here in India is spicy. The American Elders are also known for getting "loose motions" in their first few weeks here. However, I'm handling the food pretty well. The Indian missionaries are surprised I'm doing so well. The food is actually quite good, but rice about every meal does get tiring. Breakfast is my biggest meal: Eggs, Cereal or toast, and a fruit. I've been having mangoes a lot here. Then it's usually rice with some kind of curry for lunch and/or dinner. Oh, and I tried mutton or lamb the other day.
Tell Mike he's wack for thinking mutton is bad. ;) It's pretty good in my opinion. Elder Bunga is very helpful. He's from Hyderabad and leaves in June. Good things about him is that he really tries to work hard, knows the scriptures, KNOWS HINDI (I'd be dead without him speaking it), and helps to talk to me about the work here. We have had some talks, but they really helped us understand each others thoughts on
missionary work.
The work here is totally different. Currently 2 units of investigators. (I've invited 3 people to be baptized this week) Sacrament attendance ranges from 85ish to 18 across the mission in Delhi. The members are really helpful here. We can usually count on someone coming to lessons with us everyday when we need. The leadership in church here however is a hinder-mint. There are some really helpful leaders, but as a whole it's a learning process. Street contacting is not effective. It's a lot more member referrals or teaching the families of recent converts. (Yea dad all 27 missionaries work in the Delhi area. We're divided up into the 7 branches here. Old Delhi and New Delhi are really one city. Pakistan is actually a really developing mission there. Only the natives serve there. Napal only has senior missionaries there. That's about the extent of our mission)
It's hot here and this isn't even the hot season. I've heard it gets up to 45 - 50 degrees Celsius. Highs 55 Celsius. Times by 2 and add 30 to get Fahrenheit. Mission office is a 30 minute auto (taxi) drive. Our schedule is about according to the Preach My Gospel guidelines on page viii. Add 30 minutes to everything and that's us.
The driving is crazy, yet I'm not scared because they are so comfortable with the driving system. There will be no driving for me. Not too many bugs in apartment (a probably turn around during the summers). Outside though, there are big ol' cockroaches and ants. Meats: Lamb (mutton) and chicken are the meats here. No beef.
Comments from week
I had a slice of raw coconut off the street the other day. Pretty good, but I was kinda expecting more of the sugary flake taste back home. haha
There are so many embassies located here. I mean it's not like this is the capital of India ;) Their cars stand out. They have license plates with blue backgrounds. I've never seen so many popped collars on guys than I have seen here in India.
At the MTC departure, all missionaries stood up when their mission was announced. When India was called, the MTC president gave us the only warning out of the whole group. Basically he said "Make sure you
do what you're suppose to. India is delicate and you need to help keep the doors open." However I found out this week the first stake is being formed on May 26. (I think that's the date) That's pretty exciting!
Motorcycles are everywhere here! Though they're not Harley Davidson kind. More street bike type.
This is more spiritual things:
This last week has been fantastic. I’ve been able to teach and invite three investigators to be baptized this week! During studies this morning, I was just excited and couldn’t calm down. It was because Elder Bunga and I were preparing our lesson for our investigators. I was ecstatic to hopefully get to see the light bulb go off in their heads about the importance of our message. This church, the gospel of Jesus Christ, is true. I’m only beginning to teach and find people, but I hope to love these people and those I serve immensely.
I’ve been memorizing the first vision and the bullet points during my studies to help me improve my teaching and sharing my purpose in being a missionary. Elder Bunga has helped me a lot in breaking the ice with teaching people as we role play and actually teach too.
This is definitely the Lord’s work. I’ve seen in as I’ve tried to do become the missionary he wants me to be. Also, it’s evident in the investigators and members with the change of heart that comes as the gospel is taught to them. As a side perk, it’s also evident in how my understanding of the gospel has grown in these short two weeks. I mentioned earlier about wanting to love his mission, the people, and those I serve. This last week has helped me to realize that Jesus Christ’s church is centered on love. It’s humbling to know that and that's why I want to strive to love. If I love the people, I want to help them see the importance of repentance. If I love them and want them to repent so that they can return to live with Heavenly Father, then I work harder as Christ’s missionary.
I love you guys and hope this answers questions.
Love your son,
Elder Devin Bastian
Everyone told me that the food here in India is spicy. The American Elders are also known for getting "loose motions" in their first few weeks here. However, I'm handling the food pretty well. The Indian missionaries are surprised I'm doing so well. The food is actually quite good, but rice about every meal does get tiring. Breakfast is my biggest meal: Eggs, Cereal or toast, and a fruit. I've been having mangoes a lot here. Then it's usually rice with some kind of curry for lunch and/or dinner. Oh, and I tried mutton or lamb the other day.
Tell Mike he's wack for thinking mutton is bad. ;) It's pretty good in my opinion. Elder Bunga is very helpful. He's from Hyderabad and leaves in June. Good things about him is that he really tries to work hard, knows the scriptures, KNOWS HINDI (I'd be dead without him speaking it), and helps to talk to me about the work here. We have had some talks, but they really helped us understand each others thoughts on
missionary work.
The work here is totally different. Currently 2 units of investigators. (I've invited 3 people to be baptized this week) Sacrament attendance ranges from 85ish to 18 across the mission in Delhi. The members are really helpful here. We can usually count on someone coming to lessons with us everyday when we need. The leadership in church here however is a hinder-mint. There are some really helpful leaders, but as a whole it's a learning process. Street contacting is not effective. It's a lot more member referrals or teaching the families of recent converts. (Yea dad all 27 missionaries work in the Delhi area. We're divided up into the 7 branches here. Old Delhi and New Delhi are really one city. Pakistan is actually a really developing mission there. Only the natives serve there. Napal only has senior missionaries there. That's about the extent of our mission)
It's hot here and this isn't even the hot season. I've heard it gets up to 45 - 50 degrees Celsius. Highs 55 Celsius. Times by 2 and add 30 to get Fahrenheit. Mission office is a 30 minute auto (taxi) drive. Our schedule is about according to the Preach My Gospel guidelines on page viii. Add 30 minutes to everything and that's us.
The driving is crazy, yet I'm not scared because they are so comfortable with the driving system. There will be no driving for me. Not too many bugs in apartment (a probably turn around during the summers). Outside though, there are big ol' cockroaches and ants. Meats: Lamb (mutton) and chicken are the meats here. No beef.
Comments from week
I had a slice of raw coconut off the street the other day. Pretty good, but I was kinda expecting more of the sugary flake taste back home. haha
There are so many embassies located here. I mean it's not like this is the capital of India ;) Their cars stand out. They have license plates with blue backgrounds. I've never seen so many popped collars on guys than I have seen here in India.
At the MTC departure, all missionaries stood up when their mission was announced. When India was called, the MTC president gave us the only warning out of the whole group. Basically he said "Make sure you
do what you're suppose to. India is delicate and you need to help keep the doors open." However I found out this week the first stake is being formed on May 26. (I think that's the date) That's pretty exciting!
Motorcycles are everywhere here! Though they're not Harley Davidson kind. More street bike type.
This is more spiritual things:
This last week has been fantastic. I’ve been able to teach and invite three investigators to be baptized this week! During studies this morning, I was just excited and couldn’t calm down. It was because Elder Bunga and I were preparing our lesson for our investigators. I was ecstatic to hopefully get to see the light bulb go off in their heads about the importance of our message. This church, the gospel of Jesus Christ, is true. I’m only beginning to teach and find people, but I hope to love these people and those I serve immensely.
I’ve been memorizing the first vision and the bullet points during my studies to help me improve my teaching and sharing my purpose in being a missionary. Elder Bunga has helped me a lot in breaking the ice with teaching people as we role play and actually teach too.
This is definitely the Lord’s work. I’ve seen in as I’ve tried to do become the missionary he wants me to be. Also, it’s evident in the investigators and members with the change of heart that comes as the gospel is taught to them. As a side perk, it’s also evident in how my understanding of the gospel has grown in these short two weeks. I mentioned earlier about wanting to love his mission, the people, and those I serve. This last week has helped me to realize that Jesus Christ’s church is centered on love. It’s humbling to know that and that's why I want to strive to love. If I love the people, I want to help them see the importance of repentance. If I love them and want them to repent so that they can return to live with Heavenly Father, then I work harder as Christ’s missionary.
I love you guys and hope this answers questions.
Love your son,
Elder Devin Bastian
Survived First Week !
(Devin was online and typing a few paragraphs to us. He had to go be quick because he, Elder Cooper and Pres. Jackson were headed to Delhi for a tour of the Mission.)
Hey are you guys up?! I'm on for only 30 minutes because Pres Jackson is taking Elder Cooper and I to visit Delhi.
This first week has been hard, but today I realized something as I was pondering. 2 Nephi 31:19-20 are the scriptures that made me ponder about this. Instead of strait and narrow I replaced it with mission. Then where Heavenly Father is talking about eternal life I replaced it with "You will have success on you mission". That helped a lot! And dad thank you so much for the blessing you gave me before I left. I reread that blessing in my journal yesterday and I just started bawling because it hit home and gave me the comfort I needed to get through yesterday. Thanks :D
I took pictures that I wanted to send to you today but because of the computers we're on Elder Bunga told me to wait until later. Sorry :/ Before I go any further, HI MOM!!! HI DAD!!! I love you guys!!! hehe I've been stoked to email you and hear from you
Now that I've been here a week our apartment is really nice. Dirty because of 6 missionaries living together but it really is nice. I do a lot of cleaning because... well that's me. haha Actually some of the guys cook for us at night. I have my own breakfast of cereal, eggs, and a fruit. The rest of the day is hard to figure meals out. Like last night it was 10:30 by the time I could even think of making any dinner and I was so tired that I didn't eat. I'm not sure how to plan for those things. There are quite a few people that speak English and understand how to speak it well. However their accents are so thick it is very hard to understand. The rest of the people here speak Hindi and even in the lessons we teach Elder Bunga has to translate to from English to Hindi so that they understand what is being said. I've picked up on a few phrases/words but I feel lost a lot because of how often English is spoken here. The Church members are the ones that speak the best English.
All we have is a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. No oven. I'm the only American in the apartment. There are 3 other Americans in our mission though. There used to be 4 more but because of visas they had to leave to Washington the day before Elder Cooper and I arrived.
Hey are you guys up?! I'm on for only 30 minutes because Pres Jackson is taking Elder Cooper and I to visit Delhi.
This first week has been hard, but today I realized something as I was pondering. 2 Nephi 31:19-20 are the scriptures that made me ponder about this. Instead of strait and narrow I replaced it with mission. Then where Heavenly Father is talking about eternal life I replaced it with "You will have success on you mission". That helped a lot! And dad thank you so much for the blessing you gave me before I left. I reread that blessing in my journal yesterday and I just started bawling because it hit home and gave me the comfort I needed to get through yesterday. Thanks :D
I took pictures that I wanted to send to you today but because of the computers we're on Elder Bunga told me to wait until later. Sorry :/ Before I go any further, HI MOM!!! HI DAD!!! I love you guys!!! hehe I've been stoked to email you and hear from you
Now that I've been here a week our apartment is really nice. Dirty because of 6 missionaries living together but it really is nice. I do a lot of cleaning because... well that's me. haha Actually some of the guys cook for us at night. I have my own breakfast of cereal, eggs, and a fruit. The rest of the day is hard to figure meals out. Like last night it was 10:30 by the time I could even think of making any dinner and I was so tired that I didn't eat. I'm not sure how to plan for those things. There are quite a few people that speak English and understand how to speak it well. However their accents are so thick it is very hard to understand. The rest of the people here speak Hindi and even in the lessons we teach Elder Bunga has to translate to from English to Hindi so that they understand what is being said. I've picked up on a few phrases/words but I feel lost a lot because of how often English is spoken here. The Church members are the ones that speak the best English.
All we have is a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. No oven. I'm the only American in the apartment. There are 3 other Americans in our mission though. There used to be 4 more but because of visas they had to leave to Washington the day before Elder Cooper and I arrived.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Letter from Mission Mom
We had a very nice time with your son and his new
companion today in our office. We invited them here for lunch and to
take care of some paperwork. Elder Bastian is just wonderful (as you
know), and we’re so happy to have him here. He
and Elder Cooper are both doing well, and Elder Bastian actually slept
through the night last night. That’s pretty amazing. It takes me a
good two weeks to get to that point when coming from the states. His
companion, Elder Bunga, is a spiritual giant.
He is from Hyderabad where the first stake in India will be formed in a
few weeks.
India is very different for these young
missionaries, but they’ll be just fine. Please let me know if there is
anything I can do for you, or if you have any questions. Thank you so
much for helping prepare Elder Bastian to serve in this
great mission. We already love him.
Kind Regards,
Sister Jackson
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
First impressions....India
I loved that I got to call you guys :) :) Totally funny that I got you
mom! (FYI this email is going to be sporadic I just reread it) India
Ummm.... this is crazy!! It's cool, but wow! This is different. Flying
with Elder Cooper was good, the flights were long (2 eight hour
flights), New Delhi is massive, and I sure hope I adjust because this is
different. My companion is Elder Bunga he's from Hyderbad, India. He's
leaving in 12 weeks. I don't even know what to tell you. I really am
bewildered at everything.
I guess I'll begin with the plane rides. SLC to D was quick I slept the whole way. Though 20 minutes before we landed I woke up to a lady talking to us about her mission and she gave both Elder Cooper and I both 20 dollars each for our trip over to India. She's was super nice. Ohh Elder Cooper was in funk about not having any mountains to base direction on and also flippin out about the size of the high school football fields. I'll give some credit on the football field. Then D to LDN was good. It was a little crowded, but I made it. I read and slept a lot on that ride. Then the trip from LDN to IND was not so nice. I got a little air sick and had to take a pill from the airlines. I tried to sleep the whole time as we flew over here. New Delhi is massive. So many people, noisy (honking all the time), and dirty. Street dogs are everywhere. Soo this is weird and totally different. I think I'm just in shock over all of this because it's so different. I really hope to learn to love it here, otherwise I'm going to be miserable. I keep saying different.... please ask questions to help me explain things better :) There are 27 missionaries right now in our mission. Only 4 of them are American including Elder Cooper and me. There were actually 4 other Americans here but because of visas they had to fly back to Washington after their year here in India. The driving is crazy and yet I'm not scared because it's just so normal for here I just go with it. Weird I know. I believe this is about the time whenever I will be emailing you guys. It'll be about 11-11:30 in the morning whenever I get on to do emailing. 11:30-12 at night your time. I first have to write to Pres. Jackson each week but then I'm good to email you after. It also seems like I'll get an hour or so to email each week. I love you guys. I hope you know that and that I can feel comfortable here in India. I grew up in the Church and the US but this is an act of faith for me to Heavenly Father. I hope I can show my love for him and that he will comfort me during these first few days. I love you :) Elder Devin Bastian
I guess I'll begin with the plane rides. SLC to D was quick I slept the whole way. Though 20 minutes before we landed I woke up to a lady talking to us about her mission and she gave both Elder Cooper and I both 20 dollars each for our trip over to India. She's was super nice. Ohh Elder Cooper was in funk about not having any mountains to base direction on and also flippin out about the size of the high school football fields. I'll give some credit on the football field. Then D to LDN was good. It was a little crowded, but I made it. I read and slept a lot on that ride. Then the trip from LDN to IND was not so nice. I got a little air sick and had to take a pill from the airlines. I tried to sleep the whole time as we flew over here. New Delhi is massive. So many people, noisy (honking all the time), and dirty. Street dogs are everywhere. Soo this is weird and totally different. I think I'm just in shock over all of this because it's so different. I really hope to learn to love it here, otherwise I'm going to be miserable. I keep saying different.... please ask questions to help me explain things better :) There are 27 missionaries right now in our mission. Only 4 of them are American including Elder Cooper and me. There were actually 4 other Americans here but because of visas they had to fly back to Washington after their year here in India. The driving is crazy and yet I'm not scared because it's just so normal for here I just go with it. Weird I know. I believe this is about the time whenever I will be emailing you guys. It'll be about 11-11:30 in the morning whenever I get on to do emailing. 11:30-12 at night your time. I first have to write to Pres. Jackson each week but then I'm good to email you after. It also seems like I'll get an hour or so to email each week. I love you guys. I hope you know that and that I can feel comfortable here in India. I grew up in the Church and the US but this is an act of faith for me to Heavenly Father. I hope I can show my love for him and that he will comfort me during these first few days. I love you :) Elder Devin Bastian
Last Letter from USA
I GOT MY VISA!!! It is a definite "go" to India! My district and I
found out Thursday in a special meeting for us. Some church
representive came and gave us the headsup on what to say when we reach
Indian customs. Bascially, no preaching to the custom officials, we are
missionaries that were invited by the Indian Society of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the use of preaching or
converting in our vocabulary is definitly prohibited. That's where we
found out we all recieved our visas. :) So Monday I'll be calling you at
the airport. Either in Salt Lake City or Dallas. We are flyin out of
Salt Lake City to Dallas from Dallas to London from London to New Delhi.
Blahh stinkin long plane rides. What can I say though, I'm going to
India!
Not sure what all to write. Life's been better this week and
I'm just trying to do what I'm suppose to and get things done. I guess I
haven't told you at all what life is like here. 6:30 we wake up and get
ready. The showers here are interesting. Meaning it's either really hot
or cold, the nozzle is powerful or weak, and when someone flushes the
toilet the water temperature spikes or goes ICE cold. The food at the
cafeteria isn't too bad, but it's getting old (it's not my momma's
cooking :) ). I think I've gained 4 pounds here too surprisingly and yet
I someone still manage to be under 140 pounds with that extra poundage.
Does that make any sense? Gym time is fun. There's a track upstairs
that I go run on for 30 minutes everyday. There are two missionaries
that I meet there. One is Elder Johnson and the other is Sister Maldrum.
Elder Johnson is from Cali, was a cheerleader before coming to his
mission, has had surgey on his knee many times because of cheerleading,
graduated in 2009. Sister Maldrum is from Ponca City, Oklahoma! (She's
the one I try to talk to haha ) She ran track and crosscountry in high
school, alto in choir, and she's been going to BYU Provo for the last
couple of years. Both of them are in the Hong Kong Mission learning
Kantaneze. We tell each other all the time, when we are running by,
guy-eoh. It means good job in Kantaneze.
Yesterday was our in-field orientation and so today we are
doing some getting ready for Monday. Laundry, packing, and yahda yahda.
Oh and I took my Malaria pills for the first time today. So definitely
getting ready to leave :)
Well I love you guys and hope to talk to you soon.
"Grandma Cookies" :)
Fingers crossed! but by next Tuesday I should hopefully be on my way to India! :)
In my last letter I told you I was super excited about being here and
wondered if that changes. Well.... I swear someone saw me wrote that
because this past week has been hard on me. I've just been hard on
myself and feeling like it's just way too hard and I've got to do this
for two more years. But this last Saturday I asked for some help and
that really helped me. Sunday I had just been thinking about all that
the Savior has done for me and how I could better show my love to him
and others. To me the Sabbath is so special and it has totally blessed
my life to keep it holy because Sunday I my thoughts were turned
heavenward and it has definitely given me more hope. In the evening we
had a MTC devotional and two special guests were there. Elder M Russell
Ballard of the twelve spoke and Elder Archelata sang for us. Simply
stated it was an amazing devotional that helped me.
I feel like I'm not doing justice with explaining things
through emailing because of this dumb timer. :/ Dumb timer that's all
I've got to say... haha.
Actually the first day I was having it hard was when I got a package from home (mom 
). We were given a challenge of not opening any letters or packages
until the evening and so I that's what I did. I'm glad I did too because
later on that day was hard but when I got back to my dorm I opened the
package and I got to enjoy some chocolate and other goodies. I will say
though, when I first opened the box all I saw were the containers of
raisans and prunes. Thoughts: "Really Mom! I know I like eating healthy
but raisans and prunes! (pick the containers up) Wait these don't feel
or sound like raisans or prunes. (opened them up) NOO WAY!! Grandma
Cookies!!" Needless to say mom you totally made my day and totally got
me :) I can just hear you saying "That's right! You don't know!" hahaha
It's so hard trying to write out my thoughts in an email. Next
time or in India I should say I'll write down bullet points to
bring with me to help me write out things I want to say to you guys and
knowing what things I've learned and answering questions you had. Oh
well this is a learning process.
I'll write you more in a letter. Times up. Dumb timer!
Love you family,
Elder Devin Bastian
In the MTC
Alright not much time to write and type. We only get 30 minutes here at the MTC to use e-mail on preperation day.
Mandy-Loving the MTC Can't wait to see your gorgous face either! Loves
Sophia- Doing good Sopie Sue :) MTC is a learning process, but I love this enviroment. Love you
Stephen- Yea I've been having a good day Stevers! Loving the food and my companion. Love you
Brianna
anna- Miss you princess :) haha That's a sincere princess! Learned so
far..... A LOT!!! Like being patient (key one), how to even teach an
investigator and I'm still trying to understand how to teach and even
what to teach. Favorite part of the day... umm Gym time and to an extent
the end of the day because it's the end of the day! Days here seem like
weeks yet weeks only seem like a few hours ago! haha
Don't know how that works but it does. Random thing... shoot I don't
know... I'm living on BYU property yet I'm a missionary. Oh the Elder
thing is kind of empowering now and as missionaries we are only allowed
to address each other by Elder or Sister. Proper titles only. Weird I
know but it is empowering. Ask dad what he felt about it.Love you Bri.
Mikky- I'd love the sharpie art! Love you
Mikky
Dylan-Yea it does seem weird to hear you filing out your papers but
it's soo cool.
Dad-Totally a blessing Tyler was there. Haven't really thought of
it much, but I do know it was a blessing. I would really like to read
the Bible here, but I think it's just too much to cram into these
already crammed days. It's crazy how hard it is to teach investigators,
but it'll come :) I Love you Dad
Mom- I love you mom :)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Big Day
Day 1: We dropped Elder Bastian off at the MTC yesterday. We spent a few minutes across the street at the Temple with Grandma & Grandpa Jones and Aunt Suzette. Said our goodbyes and headed to the MTC. It was bitter-sweet. Sad to see him leave. Way excited to see him serving our Heavenly Father. As we pulled up to drop him off, Elder Tyler Robertson from Mustang, Oklahoma (one of Devin's friends and members of our Oklahoma ward) was there. As we got out of the car, he gave me a big hug. (He's a big boy so he gives big hugs. I think he's like... 6'6") He then hugged Elder Bastian and escorted him off to his MTC dorm. Elder Robertson was not specifically waiting for Elder Bastian and in fact was due to leave the MTC the Monday before... Very cool "tender mercy". Dad
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